Local Gov’t

January 31, 2012

Monthly siren test is Saturday, Feb. 4

The LaPorte County Emergency Management Agency notifies residents that the next test of LaPorte County warning sirens is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m.

During the test (conducted every first Saturday of the month), two one-minute signals will sound, with one minute of silence between signals.

During actual emergencies, a three-minute signal is sounded, with a short period of silence between signals, repeated one or more times.

In the event of a real emergency, first seek shelter, then listen to radio stations WLOI AM-1540/WCOE FM 96.7 or WEFM 95.9 for instructions, and/or tune in to South Bend and Chicago TV stations as well as local cable channel 97.

Residents should designate a safe room in their homes and have a transistor radio, fresh batteries and other emergency supplies on hand.

An all-clear siren is not sounded during emergencies.

During emergencies, do not call 911 or local police or fire to obtain information; these lines must be kept clear for actual emergencies.

Posted in: Local Gov't, What's Going On?

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January 26, 2012

LaPorte Board of Works meetings moved to evenings, twice a month

The LaPorte Board of Public Works and Safety meetings, formerly held each Wednesday morning at LaPorte City Hall, will now take place at 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month, just prior to the city council meetings.

“After discussion with the clerk-treasurer and my department heads regarding the current long-standing BOW meeting schedule, I presented the idea of changing the time and the day,” Mayor Blair Milo said in a press release. “I wanted to make this change to ensure that the meeting time is more accessible to the general public. I know how difficult it can be to try and take off work to attend a Wednesday morning meeting. I am excited by the change and hope that it allows for more citizen involvement in the issues that come before our Board of Works.”

Among the board’s duties are hearing reports from department heads, handling bills and claims, and addressing citizens’ concerns.

Posted in: Local Gov't

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January 23, 2012

Carbon monoxide incident prompts reminder to have alarms, get furnaces inspected

LaPorte Code Enforcement Director Lynn Cains recently detailed a local incident that serves as a good reminder for all residents to have working carbon monoxide alarms and get their heating systems inspected.

At the Jan. 12, 2012, LaPorte Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, Cains told the board that the LaPorte Fire Department and LaPorte County EMS recently responded to a call at an apartment in the 500 block of Jefferson Avenue, where they found an unconscious woman. At LaPorte Hospital it was determined that she had high levels of carbon monoxide in her system and had subsequently had a heart attack.

Cains told the board that carbon monoxide poisoning results mainly from poor heating systems. He reminded landlords that it’s city law that they make sure their heating systems are working properly. He encouraged all homeowners and landlords to have their heating systems inspected annually. Renters can best protect themselves by making sure this is done prior to moving into a rental unit, he said.

Cains also suggested that the city look into passing an ordinance requiring registration of apartment units so they can be inspected properly.

Posted in: Health & Fitness, Local Gov't

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